US Patent 7481538 Illuminator and projector

An illuminator includes a polarization converter that converts source light into first polarized light, a polarization separation member that separates the first polarized light of from the polarization converter and second polarized light different from the first polarized light, by reflection and transmission, a polarization switch member that reflects the first polarized light passed through the polarization separation member and changes same into the second polarized light, and a light guide having a first rod arranged between the polarization converter and the polarization separation member, a second rod arranged between the polarization separation member and the polarization switch member, and a third rod arranged on an optical path of the second polarized light separated by the polarization separation member.